Dodgers DH Shohei Ohtani returns to lineup, will start vs. Giants

The Dodgers felt Shohei Ohtani’s absence in the final game of their series against the Padres, but he’s back in the lineup for Monday night’s series opener vs. the Giants in San Francisco. He’ll be the designated hitter in the No. 2 spot in the order for Dave Roberts’ club.

Ohtani on Sunday was dealing with a back injury that coincided with a potential day off for the Dodgers’ slugger. He sat out the team’s series finale in San Diego and the offense foundered without their regular DH. 

Los Angeles in that game was shutout for just the second time all season and they notched only four hits in the process. 

While the Dodgers’ offense is plenty talented without Ohtani sitting in the No. 2 spot, his gravity atop the order behind Mookie Betts and in front of Freddie Freeman just changes the dynamic of their lineup.

Monday marks just the fourth time Ohtani will have played at Oracle Park in San Francisco after spending his first six MLB seasons with the Angels in the American League West. He’s yet to notch a hit in 10 plate appearances at Oracle Park with two walks and two strikeouts. 

Yoshinobu Yamamoto will be on the bump for the Dodgers against Giants flame-throwing right-hander Jordan Hicks. First pitch from Oracle Park is slated for 6:45pm Pacific Time.

Author(s)

Kyle Madson has spent most of his writing career covering the NFL’s Tennessee Titans and San Francisco 49ers. Aside from writing, Kyle also hosts a radio show, the Insiders, with James Ham on ESPN 1320 in Sacramento.